Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-04
Civics In Public Schools.

That the right of suffrage exercised by
the citizens OF this free government is a
power which is not appreciated by all, in
its great and extensive influences is evil
dent in many ways. 1t is unfortunate yet
true, that to many of those who march to
the polls. the ballot to be deposited is only
piece OF paper with names printed there
on used as a means TO secure office to this
man or that. 1t is not infrequently the
case that the ballot is considered of less
importance than that OF the juror to ex-
press an opinion as to the guilt OF
prisoner. Although in the exercise OF
this right each voter is in certain sense
free, yet he cannot act iisregardful OF
others If he performs his duty correctly.
But it is a fact that in many cases, the
mutual obligations of citizenship are
ignored; the commercial and Industrial
interests of the nation are forgotten the
principles and theories of government are
not thought OF. and the supreme function of
political freedom is dwarfed by obedience
to the dictation of bosses or degraded by
sale to INSCRIPTIONS politicians" When
the voters of this country were men educa-
ted by direct contact with its institutions
and when party leaders were men who
recognized the value Of suffrage and the
responsibilities depending upon the exer..
n;o - rAntitinp of tbipna did
not exist. The tendency of the past
twenty-five years has been to place the
government further from the people.
This has not been the work of any party
the people themselves have in great
degree, been responsible for this change.
They have followed courses which could
lead to nothing else, and they have been
so ignorant OF the results attending these
courses that they are surprised to find out
place of the intelligent and patriotic voter,
the ignorant and unprincipled they find
the places of honest and sincere politicians
filled by men concerning whose motives
there are grave doubts; they find in the
plaza of careful selection for public offices
the spoils system and all the deteriorating
influences connected Herewith. Recogniz
ing the evils existing under these crcum
stances, citizens have formed Reform
Leagues, which have begun a work Of
eradication. These leagues have framed
laws and legislatures have passed
them. so that criminal offence:
defined by them are punishable
These leagues have done good service bu
thew have not accomplished as much as wa:
expected There is trouble which they can
not reach They have begun at the wrong
end All reforms must commence at the
bottom and work up, and it seems tha
the bottom of the matter lies largely in the
education Of those who are to exercise the
right of suffrage and who are to be called
upon to fill positions of political trust ant
responsibility. The vital thing then, is te
train the young in the study of civics; te
teach them the principles and theories O.
government; to point out by example ant
precept the rocks and shoals to be avoided
and above all. to impress upon them tn,
grave responsibility which must attach t,
each and all as component parts of gov
eminent of. by and for the people.
We are justly proud of our system o
public schools which has already proved
an important factor in the progress of thu
nation. But certainly the objects and aim
of its founders will be still further for
warded if our children were taught theil
duties and responsibilities as citizens NOR,
thoroughly and carefully than at present
The idea OF mutual dependence should bt
impressed upon them in an intelligent ant
scientific way. just as they are grounded
in the elements of mathematics or an,
other study. And indeed, what higher
range of intellectual and scientific i'm
provement can be encouraged or wha
kind of morals can be better taught thar
that embraced in the study OF good gov